The function of a sidekick.

Yes, Guardian, there will be times when you wonder what the function of a sidekick might be. Without superpowers which makes him (or her) essentially defenceless and without your advanced mental functions which makes him (or her) at about the same reasoning state as a large labrador retriever, you may ask yourself why you have taken him (or her) on as such a responsibility, that perhaps your job — indeed, your life — might be simpler without him (or her), thus allowing you to perform more efficiently.

No, Guardian, the sidekick is also there to remind you that you are bound by nature to protect all lifeforms from harm. So protect him (or her) well. Keep him (or her) close. And you will find that the rewards to that end make all else tolerable.